--- description: If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be wondering what you can sue for. Call us today to discuss your options. title: What Can You Sue For In A Car Accident - Chaikin & Sherman --- What Can You Sue For In A Car Accident - Chaikin & Sherman # What Can You Sue For In A Car Accident Last Updated: February 10, 2026 Reading Time: 5 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 4 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » What Can You Sue For In A Car Accident What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be wondering what you can sue for. Many different factors determine whether or not you can file a lawsuit after an accident. Contact an experienced [car accident lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today. A car accident lawyer will help you calculate your damages and [file a claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/insurance-claim/) to get the compensation you deserve. ## What Should I Do After a Car Accident? If you have been involved in a car crash, you should first seek medical attention. After you have been treated, [you should contact a lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/should-i-get-a-lawyer/). A lawyer will help you figure out who is liable for your injuries. It is also important to keep track of all of your expenses related to the accident. This includes [medical bills](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident/medical-bills/), car repairs, and any other costs incurred due to the car wreck. Again, a car accident lawyer will help you file an insurance claim and submit these expenses to the liable party. ## How Much Can I Sue For in a Car Accident Claim? In most cases, the amount of damages you can recover is related to your injuries and losses. The amount you can sue for will [depend on several factors](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/factors-that-affect-the-value-of-your-case/), including the severity of your injuries and the total costs of your damages. Here are some common damages you can recover: ### Wrongful Death Damages If someone dies due to a car accident, their family may receive compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. This type of case is called a [wrongful death](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wrongful-death/) lawsuit. ### Pain and Suffering Damages Pain and suffering is one of the most common types of compensation awarded in a car accident case. This includes any physical or emotional pain and anguish you have suffered due to the accident. A lawyer can help you calculate the value of your claim and make sure you receive the full amount you deserve. ### Lost Wages You can also receive compensation for lost income if you have missed work due to your car accident injuries. A lawyer will help you prove how much money you have lost and ensure that insurance companies pay what they owe. ### Punitive Damages Punitive damages are those that are awarded in order to punish the defendant for their actions. They are not available in every case, and different states have different standards to be able to recover punitive damages. For example, to recover punitive damages, you must prove that the defendant was acting with actual malice. This is very difficult to prove. However, in Washington, DC you could recover punitive damages if the defendant was acting with reckless indifference to the rights of others. While this is still a high standard, it requires proving reckless indifference, instead of actual malice. ## Is It Worth Suing After a Car Accident? If you [think you have a personal injury claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/do-i-have-a-case/), it is important to speak to a car accident attorney [as soon as possible](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/when-to-hire-a-personal-injury-lawyer/). A lawyer can help you [evaluate your case](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-does-a-personal-injury-lawyer-do/) and decide whether or not to sue. They will also guide you through the [claims process](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury-claims-process-in-washington-dc/) and help you recover the maximum amount of damages possible. ## How Are Car Accident Lawsuits Settled? A car accident lawsuit can be settled out of court or through mediation. However, in some cases, they may go to trial before being resolved. A personal injury lawyer will help you determine the best strategy for your case. ### Settlements vs. Verdicts In the case that the liable party, such as the other driver’s insurance company, fails to offer an appropriate settlement, your case will go to trial, and the jury will issue a verdict. This is the final decision in your case and represents the amount of money you will receive from the defendant(s). Settlements are usually reached when both sides agree on a [certain amount of money](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/are-personal-injury-settlements-taxable-in-washington-dc/) that the defendant will pay to the plaintiff. ## What Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Can Do For You The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers with [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) have a proven track record of success helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish liability and negligence. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate. ## How Much Can I Get in a Car Accident Settlement? The amount of your settlement will vary depending on the facts and circumstances of your case. To find out how much your case is worth, contact the personal injury attorneys of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. for a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of car accidents obtain justice and fair compensation. Here are a few of our case results: - $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in a rear-end collision. - $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle. - $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident. - $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle. - $1 million settlement was obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client who was a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended period of time. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the Court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens. - $1 million settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle. ## Contact an Accident Lawyer Today If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or[ contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. 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